néni

Néni is a Hungarian term meaning an aunt and, more broadly, an elderly woman. It functions as a familiar form of address for an older woman, whether or not she is a relative. In everyday speech it can refer to a family member, such as an aunt, or to a non-relative who is older and regarded with warmth and respect, such as a neighbor or family friend. The term conveys affection and social closeness without being overly formal.

In family usage, néni can denote an aunt or older female relative; outside the family it is commonly used by children and younger adults to address older women in a friendly, respectful way. In more formal or institutional contexts, speakers may opt for more formal terms depending on the relationship and setting. Variations in usage exist across regions and communities within Hungary and among Hungarian-speaking communities abroad.

Orthography and pronunciation: néni is written with an acute accent on the first e and is pronounced roughly NEH-nee. The plural form is nénik. The word is a long-standing part of everyday Hungarian and reflects cultural norms of respect toward older women.